RACHEL HUTTON BASKETMAKER
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LIVING WILLOW- GENERAL INFORMATION & WORK IN SCHOOLS

Living willow structures can lend themselves to dens for children, tunnels to run in and out, wigwams and shelters- the emphasis on play and fun. They can also be natural barriers on allotments/gardens in the form of 'fedges' the term for a natural hedge/fence hybrid made from living willow. Or even a 'wigloo' you have guessed it a willow igloo!

They are not only beautiful but also provide shelter and a wonderful natural classroom in which to learn. They can also allow groups to come together to build something for their local community or school.
The planting/building of a living willow structure is usually done in the second  half of the Spring term. Willow has to be ordered in October/November of the previous year. I am able to build structures for you or to provide training for a group to build their own.

Designs can be tailored to individual needs or site specific. I usually come out to asses the site and discuss your needs before quoting.

Please be aware that they are living structures and will require substantial watering in the first year, and a commitment to care (pruning, watering and feeding) in subsequent years.
Any quote includes 2 visits in the first year of growth (usually late summer and late spring)to check on the structure, repair and instruct in future care.

Shelters

These photos show 2 small shelters put in Bankwood Children's Centre in Sheffield.

The brief was to provide 1 sheltered den in the form of a wigwam and also a semi circular shelter suitable for the children to sit in to listen to stories etc in the summer.
Later on seating was added to the semi circular shelter.

The storytellers corner makes use of the natural hill so the children can sit on the banking and have stories read to them in the dappled shade provided by the storytellers arbour.

Tunnels- Bankwood

Again at Bankwood but this time in the older children's section.

They wanted a tunnel to lead down to a storytellers corner (as shown above) which would also provide a visual barrier at the end of the race track to discourage the children from riding off the race track and down the bank.

Tunnels- Silkstone Primary School

They needed something which would make use of the dead space in the centre of the outdoor activity space.

It had been intended to be a sand pit/long jump but due to the boggy nature of the site it was unused- perfect situation for willow!

Again parents got together to produce this tunnel & the project was funded by Barnsley Adult Learning.

Wigwams

All sizes- great for schools but also a suitable size to have in a back garden.
Easy to erect and weave in- here are 3 of differing sizes being built for Cawthorne Primary School by parents of the children.

Fedges

A simple fedge to separate the playground from the emerging veg garden. As you can see lots of rubble was removed from the planting trench and replaced with new mulch to feed the willow.

A simple archway seeks to lead you into the garden and strengthen the 2 sections. Arched tops to the fedge echo the main archway.

about

Rachel Hutton
Hedgerow Hare
07909880499
​
mail@rachelhutton.co.uk
mail@hedgrwohare.co.uk

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  • Home
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    • All Courses 2022
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